Pet Insurance for Dogs and Cats

About Pets Best Insurance

If you’re like many pet owners today, you’ll do whatever it takes to keep your pet happy and healthy. Our plans help make that possible by offering reimbursement levels of 70%, 80% or 90%, after a deductible. We also offer a 100% level of reimbursement.

About: Dr. Jack Stephens

Dr. Jack L. Stephens, president of Pets Best Insurance, founded pet insurance in the U.S. in 1981 with a mission to end euthanasia when pet owners couldn’t afford veterinary treatment. Dr. Stephens went on to present the first U.S. pet insurance policy to famous television dog, Lassie.

Recent posts by Dr. Jack Stephens:

Learn why small breed dogs typically live longer than large breed dogs from veterinarian Dr. Fiona for Pets Best, a pet insurance agency for dogs and cats.

Dr. Fiona is a veterinarian and writer for Pets Best, a pet insurance agency for dogs and cats.

Hi. I’m Dr. Fiona Caldwell and I’m a veterinarian at Idaho Veterinary Hospital and I’m answering questions from pet owners today for Pets Best. This question is, “Why do small dogs typically live longer than larger dogs?” This is a great question and it’s definitely very true. Your typical Great Dane or Mastiff really only has a lifespan of sometimes just seven to nine years, and Chihuahuas or Yorkies or your other little breed dogs, it’s not uncommon for us to see them live over 15 years.

The Westminster Kennel Club held its annual show Feb 10th-11th, 2014 in New York City. The Best In Show Trophy went to five-year-old female Wire Fox Terrier, named “GCH Afterall Painting The Sky,” who more commonly goes by “Sky.” In case you’re wondering, when you see GCH in a dog’s name, it stands for “Grand Champion.” And when you see “CH” it stands for “Champion.”

Here are some fun facts about the Wire Fox Terrier breed, this year’s champion:

As their name indicates, The Wire Fox Terrier was bred originally for fox hunting, where they would follow the fox underground. Which is probably why these dogs can sometimes be diggers!

They originated in Britain sometime in the 1700s

They have energy and need to be exercised

They’re good with kids

They don’t shed a lot

They’re highly trainable

They’re the 116th most popular dog breed insured with Pets Best

This year’s Westminster also welcomed three new breeds to the dog show. They are the rat terrier, Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, and Chinook.

The rat terrier is the 45th most popular dog breed insured with Pets Best

The Chinook is the 196th most popular dog breed insured with Pets Best

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is in a tie as the 248th most popular dog breed insured with Pets Best

Learn about different dog breeds in our Pets Best Dog Breed Guide. From their size, temperament and exercise needs, to common medical issues and their costs, as reported by their owners. Check back often as we continue to add more breeds!

In December 2013, a blind man named Cecil Williams fell onto the subway tracks in New York City when he fainted. His service dog Orlando, a black lab, jumped down after him. Orlando huddled on top of his owner to help alert the oncoming subway train. Both Williams and Orlando were still struck by the train, but amazing only suffered minor injuries.

Williams called Orlando his angel for saving his life. He also said that he and Orlando protect each other. This amazing story went viral.

The issue is, Orlando is 11 years old, and was about to retire from being a service dog. However, Williams’ insurance won’t cover retired dogs. After the public got wind of this, many people donated and now Orlando is able to stay with his longtime best friend. In addition, Williams is receiving a new service dog, a yellow Labrador named Godiva who recently graduated her training.
Williams counts himself as lucky that he now has Orlando and Godiva to protect him. He told the Today Show, “The spirit of good will, it exists,” he continued, “In the world you see a lot of negative things, but I try to focus on the positive.”

Dr. Fiona is a veterinarian and writer for Pets Best, a pet insurance agency for dogs and cats

Hi, I’m Doctor Fiona Caldwell, and I’m answering questions for pet owners today for Pets Best. This question is, “How can I tell if my dog is going blind?” So it’s a great question, because it can actually be really tricky.

Dogs are amazing at memorizing their surroundings. They can figure out how to get up from their favorite spot, go out the doggie door, go outside, come back in, and all without really skipping a beat, and really it’s because they’ve memorized their surroundings. So especially in older pets that you’re starting to suspect that there might be some additional changes, there are some things that you can do to test it. One would be to create some obstacles, so moving the furniture or putting something in the way that isn’t usually there, most dogs will see them and they’ll go around it.

By Dr. Eva Evans, a veterinarian and writer for Pets Best, a pet insurance agency for dogs and cats.

Flying with your dog? Here are five tips to travel safe and smart.

As pets become more like family members, they are joining their human comrades during travel at an increasing rate. Traveling by car or RV is simple, but flying your pet on an airplane can get tricky! Follow these 5 steps to provide Fido with a first-class experience.

1. Get Your Travel Documents Early

If you are traveling domestically, travel documents include vaccination records, medications with dosages, known allergies, your veterinarian’s phone number, a health certificate and a written plan just in case disaster strikes. An interstate health certificate from your veterinarian shows that your dog has been vaccinated appropriately and is in good enough health to travel. If you are flying to Hawaii or internationally, you will need additional forms and possible blood tests, flea treatments, etc for your dog. Be sure to visit your veterinarian at least two to three months before your departure date to prevent any hold ups with travel. When you arrive at the airport make sure you have additional copies of paperwork in case the originals are lost.

2. Discuss With Your Veterinarian If Your Dog Needs Sedation

Flying is stressful, especially if it’s your first time! Many dogs do not need any sedation while flying, but occasionally some dogs do. If you suspect that your dog will have an uncomfortable level of anxiety, make sure to consult with a veterinarian. Often times these dogs will be prescribed a sedative that is safe for airplane travel. Be advised: the common sedative for dogs, Acepromazine, is NOT recommended for airplane travel!

Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company. Independence American Insurance Company is a member of The IHC Group, an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates that has been providing life, health, disability, medical stop-loss and specialty insurance solutions to groups and individuals for over 30 years. For information on The IHC Group, visit: www.ihcgroup.com. Additional insurance services administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by Prime Insurance Company. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

Please note: This blog is designed to be a community where pet owners can learn and share. The views expressed in each post are the opinion of the author and not necessarily endorsed by Pets Best Insurance. Always consult your veterinarian for professional advice.